The five largest hardware retailers in the world are The Home Depot, Lowe's (both in the United States), Kingfisher of the United Kingdom, Obi of Germany, and Leroy Merlin of France.

Hardware and building supplies are a type of retail premises—see the definition of that term.

This type of store typically sells hardware items like hand and power tools, building materials, fasteners, keys, locks, hinges, chains, electrical supplies, plumbing supplies, cleaning products, housewares, utensils, paint and much more.

When homeowners need supplies for a project, the local hardware store is a great place to start. They're filled floor to ceiling with screws, drills, hammers, and other essentials. Hardware stores serve do-it-yourself customers and also professional contractors.